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Manu’a shortages not result of West Coast slowdown

Director of Education, Vaitinasa Salu Hunkin says DOE’s School Lunch program is not entirely affected by shipping delays, and says that the school lunch program is well stocked up until April; by then their next shipment should come in, which will be enough for the remainder of the school year.

 

The DOE director was responding to Samoa News queries following complaints voiced during the House regular session yesterday by Manu’a faipule Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr.

 

The lawmaker said there has been a huge impact on the school lunch program for the students in Manu’a, by the delay of a shipment from the mainland, which is slated to arrive in the territory on February 19, 2015.

 

He said it’s unclear if the shipment will arrive on time, as the only shipments arriving in town right now, are from New Zealand and Australia.  Vesi called on the House Education Committee to hold a hearing and summon the DOE Director to appear and explain to the Fono as to the status of the meals for the students, to find out if there is enough.

 

Vesi told Samoa News after the House session yesterday that usually there is a certain menu by DOE that all the schools must abide by, however in Manu’a they are deviating from the menu because there is not enough food to comply with the required menu.

 

However, according to Vaitinasa the reason there is not enough food is not because of the shipping problems caused by the West Coast dock workers slowdown, but instead, it is due to transportation issues between Tutuila and Manu’a. She said there are also other reasons why the Manu’a schools are experiencing such a situation, but mainly it’s because of transportation issues.

 

Asked if DOE is sticking to their daily menu, Vaitinasa stated that “they are trying to follow the menu.” She further pointed out that they are literally buying whatever the farmers bring into the school lunch to weigh in, especially the fruits, as they need those.

 

The DOE Director noted that—for the time being— they are not yet cleared by the Dept. of Agriculture to accept local cabbage.

 

In the meantime, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale reminded Vesi that requests to call directors to testify on certain issues must go through proper channels—meaning, through him— and he will the request the Education Chairman to call a hearing, but that Vesi cannot demand a hearing in any matter.